Religious Beliefs

[CraftyCath]

I fall into the category of Faith not Religion. I class myself as christian and have been to some good Churches but unfortunately went to some that were positively abusive. Some of the people who went there have cut us off completely, calling us 'backslidden etc. I have come to the conclusion that I believe in God but not in church and religion and need to be free from it. I think some prople need/want it in their lives and that is wonderful - but it isn't for me.

The point I am making is that although that was a very bad experience and I am still fighting my way out of it, it has worked out to be a very positive experience. I have learned to respect all beliefs, be them beliefs in God or no beliefs at all. I have friends who are atheists, christians, spiritualists and one who is a pagan. I love my friends, we are all trying to survive.

Pushy christians trigger me, but I do not blame them, it is me who is triggered and I deal with that myself. On the forum I haven't come across this yet but if I did I would probably just stop reading that thread. I do, however, have the nerve these days to politely tell someone to back off.

(On a lighter note. I find it amusing that the spell checker always wants to capitalise 'christian' but not atheist, spiritualist or pagan!:rolleyes:).

 

[EloiseLandau]

In the end, I think we as people in general have more in common than not: we want understanding, we want affection, we want to feel as if we matter. If the way you're going about getting those things is hurting someone else, maybe one can reconsider their approach?

 

[Whitneys story]

I feel the forum perspective regarding religion is excellent. Recently I read something where religious discussion should be kept in the Politial section. My personal view is developed from years of study. Religion v God which brought me to the realization, are two total separate issues.

One question that led me on that journey was "How does one know what God they are reaching out too or praying too".
As long as humanity resides on this planet there will be rumbling. Awareness and respect of others views, keeps it simple.

The bottom line is using respect in all posting.

@Craftycath, Love it on the lighter side! Man created spell check. Smiling! Hugs, Whitney

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I try to always use respect in describing my beliefs, but some take offense at any mention of 'God' or religion no matter how it is shared. It is my belief that no one can believe exactly like another, unless they are a 'cookie-cutter' believer.

I attend church, mostly for the people contact and I enjoyed singing in the choir. I have some very dear friends who I am grateful are in my life. The church helped me quit being a 'hermit'. I had a fear of being around people. It felt safe to start with church. I went from zero hugs to many every week. That alone was healing.

I do not agree with everything, because it is a personal decision for everyone what they choose to believe. My beliefs come more from personal experience than what I've been taught.

Respect and love are the most important part. Being rejected is expected but I understand that many people 'blame' God for their circumstances and I do understand that. It's okay, because that is their belief.

The mistakes I have made are because I did not walk away when I should have. I guess "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions".

 

[Shellbell]

Religion is such a personal and emotive issue. I have deliberately stayed away from talking about this on the forum, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone. I don't agree with people's beliefs, but I respect them.

I have started threads that could have lead to religious beliefs - like the issue of forgiveness - but specifically stated that this is not a thread I am bringing religion into this. Much too personal and emotive.

I think whatever people put in their diary on here though is okay.

I stay clear of making any comments regarding religion in any threads that are not about religion.

And I was very careful to keep my post very short, concise and non-judgemental even in a thread about religion and my issues with my faith. It's not my intention to upset anyone, but I see how easily religion, politics and money leads to upset, even unintentionally.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Yeah, sometimes I look back on a post I've written a cringe a little, really really really really hoping that it doesn't come across as preaching.....I know how much I HATE it when my parents bring up 'religion', so I guess this serves as a reminder for me to watch more closely what I post, even if I AM trying to help, it won't help the person with whom it strikes an off note.

 

[Britt.f7]

Okay, I haven't seen an issue of this, pushing of beliefs, on here. Of course, I could be naive or oblivious.

Nicolette, I wouldn't find the second sentence necessarily pushy if someone said it. I think it would really matter who said it and what it was in context to. I hope I never said something this way because in no way do I think someone should have to believe what I do. I have respect for everyone.

Beliefs make up who we are. It is going to show up in what we write. We spend our lives keeping ourselves in check. This is a safe place to be able to not necessarily keep in check. This does not mean you can or should be condescending to anyone, or be judgmental. If anything, it means to be open and accepting to our differences. I personally enjoy our differences and similarities in all instances.

So, I will say this to each and every one of you, if you are having a conversation with me, please feel free to share your beliefs, or yourself with me(and, yes, this even means people who have no belief in a God or religion). I will not judge you, that is not what I am here for. For those that I have triggered or felt threatened by anything I have said, please accept my apology, it has never been my intention. Call me on it if you need to. You can always do it in a private conversation(those are private, aren't they?).

Beliefs, no matter what they may be, I most certainly, without a doubt, respect.